A hysteretic connection element for the simulation of the hysteretic response of connections and joints is formulated and implemented into general purpose nonlinear analysis program DRAIN-3DX. In the element formulation, both stiffness and strength degradation together with pinching evolution are expressed as functions of damage state variables; in the meanwhile, damage is monitored and failure is detected by a damage index. In the element implementation, an automatic event definition algorithm is developed aid an event-to-event solution scheme is followed. The parameters defining the element are evaluated through calibrating the experiment results. The hysteretic responses of unstiffened extended end plate connections, web panels, joints and frame subassemblies are simulated with this element. The reliability of the element formnulation and implementation is verified by the satisfactory agreement between simulation results and experiment data in terms of moment-rotation response, strength, stiffness, and energy dissipation.

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